Life sciences and healthcare have been identified as key growth segments of the Indian economy and India is expected to emerge as a major player in these sunrise segments.
Life science is the study of any branch of natural science dealing with structure and behaviour of living organisms. It includes subjects like genetics, cytology, taxonomy, entomology, pisciculture, physiology, comparative physiology, pathology, parasitology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, microbiology, plant & molecular biology, biomedical science and engineering etc.
Life science is a hot topic world-wide. Institutions across the globe are financing research in this field by offering scholarships or fellowships.
With an MSc in some of these subjects you could either take up teaching at the school level after doing your BEd or at the college and university level (after clearing the NET Exam for Lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship) or the SLET for teaching at colleges in your state.
If research interests you then you should pursue your PhD at any reputed university or prestigious institution like the National Centre for Biological Sciences (TIFR), Bangalore.
Most jobs in Life Sciences lie in research in universities, scientific research organisations, government health departments or pharmaceutical companies. There are job prospects in all sectors of biotechnology (medical biotechnology, plant biotechnology, industrial biotechnology), pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, in research institutions, hospitals and industry, law firms in patents and IPR etc
Bioinformatics is another hot option. Several institutions offer PG courses in bioinformatics for postgrads in life sciences. You could even pursue a course in Forensic science if you like.
You are also eligible for the post of Scientific Officer advertised by the Union Public Service Commission.
